Bash 2002 Report and Photo Archive

IronOnline reports, page 1

The '02 Bash is over...it was great! I'm so glad I was able to meet so many people, many of which I can't even remember their names now.

I'll never forget leaving the Tropicana Saturday Morning with 7 bombers in my 2002 Camry heading out to Gold's Gym...Myself, Vicki, Corey, Stella, Sam, Len and Hans. We had a great workout and Bill, Rockin Ken and Stingo made appearances. BTW- I really enjoyed hangin out at the Tropicana Pool on Friday afternoon with Rockin Ken...he and Jean are really nice people.

The Mr. O expo was a zoo...but my daughter and I had a great time. The highlight...seeing Bev Francis meet Dave for the first time. It was sooo cool watching one legend meeting another...Bev had the biggest smile on her face when her pic was taken.

The weekend was a little overwhelming...but the memories will last forever.

Thanks to Dave and Laree for putting this thing together. Randy C.

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The bash was indeed great event. I met Bill Pearl, Ed Corney, Bill Kazmeyer, Migel Olivera, Dorian Yates; I saw Cory Everson, Bob Dominique, I also some of the freakish musclemen I could imagine. I saw the best and the worst of this -- as Dave put it "extreme" muscle.

Art Hansen, Bill Frazee, Lon Baldridge

It was a thrill to meet Art Hansen, Bill Frazee (Bill and I hung out all day Friday. Shared a lot of ideas and had a great time. My arm must be 2 inches longer from hauling all that stuff around.) I met Ed, Henrick and so many others. It was such a great time. Laree and Dave were the greatest. It meant so much to me to talk to them. I was sad to leave the picnic area, Dave had a hard time to eat as the questions kept coming poor guy. I didn’t see Laree eat at all she was so busy attending everything. The seminar was great. The mixture of ideas and two different views made for interesting thinking. Thanks again Laree and Dave. You have done so much for us. I really enjoyed myself and I know Lisa enjoyed talking to you and to the other ladies of crazy husbands who enjoy working out and being bodybuilders. It will be in my memory forever. I hope to have forged a lasting friendship with the many I met. Thanks.

Best Regards, Lon

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I would like to echo Lon Baldrige's assessment of the Fitness EXPO. It was an experience just going through the Mandalay Bay to get to the event. That place is huge. Practically every supplement or exercise equipment vendor had a booth at the EXPO. Free samples of virtually all supplements were flowing like Niagara Falls. The "extreme muscle" was grotesque to me.

The discussion during the picnic at Paradise Park was instructive. It seemed that Frank Zane and Dave really have some differences of opinion in certain aspects of training. It was interesting to see them side by and noticing the fact that Frank is a smaller man than Dave. Fundamentally, Frank and Dave agree on training and as to the small differences, either approach will work. Each to his own approach.

Dave mentioned that one of the keys to working around injuries and getting through sticking points is to notice indications that the particular exercise is working. I followed up with a question about what indications you look for. My understanding of the answer is that you need to be very aware of your body and visualize the muscle that you are working in order to feel the effectiveness of a particular exercise. This translates to me that I need to focus more on what ever exercise I’m using and drawing on my knowledge of anatomy, visualize what the muscle is doing and then adjust my exercise possibly with just a slight change in position, to maximize the effectiveness of the movement.

It was great to meet several of the regular participants in IOL. As a relative beginner to weight training, I can use all the help I can get. I received encouragement from Bill Keyes and I reciprocated with what little I can provide which was a brief shoulder massage. I enjoy giving some relief to travel or stress related shoulder discomfort. It actually helps me in two ways: 1) it helps me visualize my own upper back anatomy that encourages my own shoulders and back to relax, and 2) it helps me work on my grip. Sometimes people dont even know that they need a little massage until I start working on them. I usually get a feeling from people who need the work by observing the way they hold their shoulders.

Kevin Smith works on Bill Keyes

I resolved that my most important mission in preparation for Bash'03 is to reduce my body fat from about 30% to 15% by being consistent with my workouts and getting back to what I know is right in my eating patterns. I need to stop making strength gains as my first priority, rather make building lean muscle and reducing fat realizing that losing fat without losing muscle is the most important thing. This translates to stop worrying that my bench press is not what it should be and focus on fat reduction. For those who have been obese for many years, the tendency for those fat cells to swell almost immediately when the eating pattern shifts just a little will be there for a long time. So, I need to stay with my own motto, Eat Clean and Work Out (ECAWO).

ECAWO
Cheers,
Kevin Smith

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CajunJohn Baron, Tedwood (TR) Strong, Peter Rowley
Vince's boys

As I walked up to the tables at the park I passed a man setting on a log that looked like I should know. He also was looking me over. I went and set down and keep checking him out me also. Names are like smoke in the wind with me but I never forget a face. I thought what the heck and got up and walked over and introduced myself. He jumped up and grabbed me and said it's John and I'm Ted Strong, the stunt man from Gironda's! So there you are. We were talking later and another man and wife came up and said didn't you guys train at Gironda's and so it went. We ended up telling Gironda stories and stories on each other. We all came to the same conclusion that we have never made such gains before or since Gironda's. There was just something about the place and the man that can't be put into words. I have to admit that I am getting a little teary sitting here writing this.

Cajinjohn

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John,

I met Ted as soon as he got there... He kinda sat off to the side by himself so I figured I'd break the ice and welcome him to the bash. We talked for about 20 minutes and he told me of his life with Gironda's gym and his friendships with Clint Eastwood, Big Clint Walker and that he had spent the past night with Charlie Bronson at his hanger at the airport... Quite a guy... He spoke VERY highly of Clint Walker, as well as Dave and Laree, Frank and Christine. He especially emphasized how strong Clint Walker was in his day... Ted was also very excited to be able to drop by to see Frank and Catherine, Dave and Laree, whom he said are GREAT folks..... I think you were a bonus, John.... When you showed up, I saw a spark in his eye as he hopped up off the log.... He said he NEVER flys... He said the last two times he flew, the planes crashed and he survived. He felt God was tryin' to tell him something. Isn't it great bumping into old comrades???

Wish I could've talked with you, John. I could tell you are a man of integrity and have much to offer a young buck like me.... Best!!!

-Stingo
Steve Gutendorf
Portland, Oregon

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Small world isn't it that we had to come to Draper's bash to find each other again after all of these years. He is still an active stunt man in the movies. In fact he had just completed one and was passing through and had stoped at the expo to see Dave. Dave invited him to the picnic. He came not expecting to see anybody he knew. He lives in Phoenix now. He is a former Texas boy and still owns his family ranch there. He said he wasn't feeling too good because he was getting over as injury that he inquired making the last movie. A fun but tough life. He caught me up on all of the gossip involving the Hollywood stars. That is one thing I missed from Vince's Gym he he. It's hard to believe some of the crud that goes on out there.

Cajinjohn

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John,

Bill L and I were some of the first to arrive at the picnic... I noticed Ted as soon as he got there. He kind of strolled through a few of us not uttering a word, which caught my attention... I am pretty aware of people around me... He planted himself on a bench "all by himself"... So I walked over and introduced myself and welcomed him to the picnic. A long conversation ensued, and I was quite surprised at all he had to say. I've come across a lot of BS'ers in my life but I knew Ted was honest right off... When Frank and Christing arrived, they exchanged fond greetings and then Dave and Laree showed up right behind us so I told Ted I'd let him chat with them...

I got to sit with him later when I stole his place at the table..oops! he he.. He was nice about it though. I scooted over and he sat down and we continued to chat... He talked about big Clint Walker and Eastwood and Charlie Bronson (whom he spent the night with in Vegas)... I can't believe Charlie B. is 81... He was always one of my favorite tough guys... little but "powerful." I'm glad you two got to reunite... wish I had Ted's address to send him a note and thank him for being so open and friendly, and invite him back next year... But he told me he doesn't fly. He survived two crashes and figures his number is about up...

-Stingo

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When Laree said, "I really think it made us all content with what we have, and that's a nice place to be" -- this is one of the big things I got from the BASH, Expo, and Las Vegas. Living in my own little "bubble" I have not been so sure how I am doing.

Vicki Masterson

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Thank you for a wonderful picnic last Saturday. We enjoy meeting and talking with people that we would never have met otherwise. The food was DELICIOUS and there was such a variety of things to eat.

Listening to Dave and Frank talk and answer questions was so very special especially how both of you modify exercises to work around the aches and pains.. Over the years we have read both your and Frank's articles, books, and/or newsletters. We learned so much about how both of you trained and some about your lives. We felt that we already knew you. So, of course we were so happy to be your guest at the picnic.

We had not been to Las Vegas since l981-Mr. America contest. People told us how it had changed and Oh Wow!

Thanks for sharing Saturday with all of us who came from around the world. Gary and Janet Smith

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I just got back to Juneau last night. I enjoyed reading the reports about the bash that had accumulated in my absence. It really was quite an experience.

My adventure started out on Friday morning. I had flown to Seattle the night before and gotten about three hours sleep before catching my 6am flight to LV. I was to meet Stella who was arriving at the same time. I had never met her in person and was looking around the baggage claim area for fit looking women with long hair. Because of the Olympia weekend, I saw a surprising number of fit women, but none that seemed to be looking for me. After about an hour and 20 minutes I was feeling tired and hungry and was just about to give up when a beautiful woman came up and said, "Hi Corey" and gave me a big hug. Stella is as warm and open as she is intelligent and hard working. With my new found energy and excitement, we got our bags and went out to be picked up by Bill L.

At the curb we were met by a couple in a pickup. We weren't sure it was Bill, but they were friendly so we got in. Bill and Nancy proved to be generous hosts and all around great people. We went to their house first to put the salmon in the fridge and then went to the expo.

Besides seeing Laree, Dave and Frank Zane, the highlight of the expo for me was meeting Bill Pearl. Mr. Pearl has been a hero of mine since I was a teenager. I told him what a big impact his Keys To The Inner Universe made on me 25 years ago. Bill was as gracious and friendly as I had always heard he was.

Stella and I went for lunch and Bill and Nancy joined us along with Bill Keyes who I had met at the last Bash. I remember thinking that I was sitting with four people I hardly knew and I felt totally comfortable. IOL bonds are a strong and wonderful thing.

Sam Tsang was generous enough to offer for me to shack up with him and Owen. Turned out Owen wasn't coming on Friday so it worked out great for the two of us to share the room. Sam is just as kind and thoughtful in person as on IOL. He also is incredibly strong. He tried to kill me, though, with his squat bands :) We went to Golds Friday night, but ended up just visiting in the lobby since we were planning to do a heavy workout in the morning. I got to see Guy Miller and his brother Dave, Len and Jaime Romano, and Henrick, all of whom I had met last year. We also met Hans, Kevin, Art, Randy and a few others.

Saturday morning I was part of Randy's packed car to Golds. Sam is right that Vicky really is a kick. I tried Sam's bands for squatting and then we did some deadlifts. I think both Sam and I were a little off from traveling, new gym, not doing our regular workout etc., but I am still impressed with Sam's strength. I hope to join him for a workout sometime in SJ and just work in. I had been looking forward to having Bill K critique my form on my powerlifts. He was kind enough to interrupt his workout twice to help me.

The seminar and BBQ part of the bash was just as much fun this year as last. I had to leave from the park to catch my flight, but got to visit with my new friends and my old friends from last year. Like a lot of others reporting, I am having trouble remembering everyone's names. I look forward to putting the names and faces together again when we get to see the bash 02 pictures.

Among the folks I met this year was Stephen, who wrote a few days ago to introduce himself. He was very friendly and I am looking forward to having him as a member with us on IOL. Well this post has really gotten long. I could have gone on even longer as I process the weekend's events. Suffice to say, I left with an even greater appreciation of the quality of people who make up IOL. I feel grateful to be included in this group. My apologies to those I forgot to mention and I look forward to seeing you next year so our friendships can be more firmly cemented.

A special thanks to Laree for making all this possible and for setting the tone.

Love, Corey

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Well I'm back from our trip to Las Vegas and Bash 02. The trip was very smooth and a lot of fun.

The Bash was a rare privilege and a true blessing to both me and my wife, Diane. The Olympia expo, the Friday night challenge at Gold's gym, the seminar and picnic on Saturday, church on Sunday morning, and then the closing brunch on Sunday and all throughout - meeting everyone - WOW!!

Ok that's my Reader's Digest version - I'll try to put into words later - just how significant an event this was for me.... Trust me - you don't want to miss one of these if you can at all help it...

Art H

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To everyone we met at the BBQ, we enjoyed meeting and talking with you all. A big thank you to Laree and Dave for putting on such a well organized and classy event. The memories of meeting Dave and Frank (finally, after 30 years) will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Stephen Lee's family, with Frank Zane to the right and Bill Luttrell to the left

I am a new joiner to this group. I would like to participate in your discussions. Also I did a 2-day training session with Frank Zane at his home the week prior to Vegas, and it was a very enjoyable experience.

Stephen Lee, MD.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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Just wanted to give a very brief and VERY BELATED Bash report, since I was present but seemed like the only one who didn't write anything.

Well, my fiancee Barbara and I were in Vegas for all of 22 hours that weekend. We flew in from Oakland and arrived at McCarran Int'l at about 11am, so unfortunately, I missed all of those who spoke at the bash :(. Barbara went off to see her parents for a while, as they had moved to Vegas about 6 years ago from the Boston area. So I went solo, and I didn't arrive at the park until about 1:15pm, but once there, I quickly started some casual conversation while gulping down fantastic BBQ. Because I was there for such a short period of time, I unfortunately did not have the opportunity to meet a lot of you, and I am certainly disappointed about that. Of those whom I met, (Jon Kennedy, Lon B., etc), it was great to finally put a face to the name. Per usual, Laree was a super-gracious host, and Dave was just great. I'll readily admit that when I'm in a large group, I'm a bit of a wallflower, so my apologies if I didn't come right up to you and introduce myself. Considering the short stay in Vegas, I had a great time, and I certainly hope that I'll be able to spend more than 22 hours in St Petersburg for Bash 03!

Best, Jay

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We had the best time of our lives in Vegas! Many, many thanks to Dave and Laree the bar b q was great!

Rockin Ken Kay with pal Dave

Everything was just perfect. I would like to nominate Dave Draper for president! I have been fully Draperized. I am a new person. I met all the IOLers I could. It was like a family reunion.

I hope everyone got home safe and sound. Thanks again, the new Rockin Ken Kay

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